JP5459991B2 - Endoscope system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an endoscope system that includes a processor unit and a light source device.

  In the medical field, examination using an endoscope system is widely used. An endoscope system is based on an endoscope that takes an image of a body cavity (subject) and an imaging signal that is detachably connected to the endoscope and that is output from a solid-state imaging device built in the endoscope. The apparatus includes a processor device that generates an endoscopic image, a monitor that displays the endoscopic image, and a light source device that supplies light that illuminates the body cavity to the endoscope. The doctor performs an examination while viewing the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor.

  In the field of examination using such an endoscope system, a new technique such as NBI (Narrow Band Imaging) that facilitates the discovery of a lesion is in the spotlight. In the conventional method, white light is irradiated to acquire an endoscopic image, but in the new method, an endoscopic image that emphasizes blood vessels in the submucosa, stomach wall, intestinal surface tissue, etc. is acquired. Therefore, light of a specific wavelength band is irradiated. For this reason, when introducing the inspection of a new method, it is necessary to prepare a dedicated light source device.

As a dedicated light source device, there are a switching type in which white light and light in a specific wavelength band are switched and irradiated (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2) and a single type in which only light in a specific wavelength band is irradiated. is there. The switchable light source device is more expensive, although it is convenient to use because it is compatible with special inspection and conventional method inspection. In many cases, the white light source device is owned by itself, and the white light source device is wasted if a switching type is bought. For this reason, it is sufficient for a single type that is relatively inexpensive.
JP 2000-019442 A JP 2001-190490 A

  However, in the conventional endoscope system, since the processor device is used in one-to-one correspondence with the light source device, it is necessary to replace the cable from the processor device with the light source device used for inspection, which is troublesome.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object that you provide an endoscope system that associates a plurality of light source devices to a single processor unit.

In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope system according to the present invention is configured such that an endoscope incorporating an image sensor is detachably connected, and an endoscopic image is generated based on an image signal output from the image sensor. A plurality of light source devices for supplying light to illuminate the inside of the subject to the endoscope, the processor device, and all the light source devices. And a switching device for switching to any one of the light source devices from among the plurality of light source devices , wherein the switching device is identification information unique to an endoscope via the processor device and the light source device. And the light source device that is the acquisition source of the identification information that matches the identification information acquired via the processor device is determined, and the determined light source device is switched.

In the invention according to claim 2 , the identification information is an endoscope serial number.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the switch is connected to the processor device and the light source device, and switches the light source device that supplies light to the endoscope based on a switching signal from a man-machine interface. .

According to the endoscope system of the present invention, from among a plurality of light source devices, since switching to either of the light source device, it is possible to correspond to a plurality of light source devices to a single processor unit.

[First Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system 10 according to a first embodiment includes an endoscope 11 that captures an image of a body cavity, a processor device 12 that generates an endoscopic image, and light that illuminates the body cavity. The light source devices 13 and 14 that are supplied to the endoscope 11, the monitor 15 that displays an endoscopic image, and the switcher 16 that switches between the light source devices 13 and 14 to be used. The endoscope system 10 is used with a set of devices mounted on a cart (not shown).

  The endoscope 11 includes a flexible insertion portion 17 that is inserted into a body cavity, an operation portion 18 that is connected to a proximal end portion of the insertion portion 17, a processor device 12, and a light source device 13 or 14. And a universal cord 19 connected to the.

  A distal end portion 21 incorporating a CCD (charge coupled device) 20 (see FIG. 2) as an image sensor is provided at the distal end of the insertion portion 17. Behind the distal end portion 21 is provided a bending portion 22 connecting a plurality of bending pieces (not shown). The bending portion 22 bends vertically and horizontally by operating an angle knob 23 provided in the operation portion 18 and pushing and pulling a wire (not shown) inserted in the insertion portion 17. Thereby, the front-end | tip part 21 is orient | assigned to the desired direction in a body cavity.

  The base end of the universal cord 19 is connected to the connector 24. The connector 24 is of a composite type, and the light source device 13 or 14 is connected to the connector 24 in addition to the processor device 12. Hereinafter, a case where the connector 24 is connected to the light source device 13 will be described.

  The processor device 12 receives the imaging signal output from the CCD 20 and performs various signal processing on the received imaging signal to convert it into image data. The image data converted by the processor device 12 is displayed as an endoscopic image on a monitor 15 connected to the processor device 12 by a cable 25. The processor device 12 is electrically connected to the switcher 16 via the cable 26 and controls the operation of the endoscope system 10 in an integrated manner. The cables 25 and 26 may be LAN, ANSI / TIA / EIA-232-F-1997 (commonly known as RS-232), or the like.

  The switch 16 is electrically connected to the light source devices 13 and 14 via cables 34 and 35. The cables 34 and 35 may be LAN, ANSI / TIA / EIA-232-F-1997 (commonly known as RS-232), or the like.

  In FIG. 2, an illumination window 29, an observation window 30, a forceps outlet (not shown), and an air / water supply nozzle (not shown) are provided on the end surface 28 of the distal end portion 21. From the illumination window 29, the illumination light guided from the light source device 13 or 14 via the light guide 31 is irradiated to the observation site. The image light of the observation site is incident on the observation window 30. The forceps outlet is connected to a forceps channel (not shown) disposed in the insertion portion 17 and communicates with a forceps port 32 (see FIG. 1) provided in the operation portion 18. Various treatment tools having an injection needle, a high-frequency knife or the like disposed at the tip are inserted into the forceps port 32, and the tips of the various treatment tools are exposed from the forceps outlet. The air / water supply nozzle is supplied from an air / water supply mechanism (not shown) built in the light source device 13 or 14 in accordance with an operation of an air / water supply button 33 (see FIG. 1) provided in the operation unit 18. Washing water or air is sprayed toward the observation window 30.

  The CCD 20 built in the endoscope 11 is disposed at an image forming position of an objective lens 41 provided to face the observation window 30. In addition to the CCD 20, the endoscope 11 is provided with a correlated double sampling / programmable gain amplifier (hereinafter referred to as “CDS / PGA”) 42, a ROM 43, and the like. The CCD 20 captures image light of an observation site incident through the observation window 30 and the objective lens 41, and outputs an image signal corresponding to the image light. The CDS / PGA 42 performs noise removal and amplification on the imaging signal output from the CCD 20. The ROM 43 stores identification information unique to the endoscope 11 (for example, the serial number of the endoscope 11). As will be described in detail later, the identification information stored in the ROM 43 is used to select the light source devices 13 and 14.

  The processor device 12 includes a system control unit 44, a timing generator (hereinafter referred to as “TG”) 45, a CCD driver 46, an A / D converter (hereinafter referred to as “A / D”) 47, and an image generation unit 48. Is provided. The system control unit 44 communicates with the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13 or the system control unit 50 of the light source device 14 and comprehensively controls each unit of the processor device 12.

  The TG 45 inputs a timing signal (clock pulse) to the CCD driver 46 under the control of the system control unit 44. The CCD driver 46 inputs a drive signal to the CCD 20 based on the input timing signal, and controls the readout timing of the accumulated charge of the CCD 20 and the electronic shutter speed of the CCD 20.

  The A / D 47 converts the analog imaging signal output from the CDS / PGA 42 into digital image data. The image generation unit 48 performs various types of image processing on the image data digitized by the A / D 47 to generate an endoscopic image. The image generator 48 converts the generated endoscopic image into a video signal (component signal, composite signal, etc.) corresponding to the format of the monitor 15, and outputs the video signal to the monitor 15. Thereby, an endoscopic image is displayed on the monitor 15.

  The light source device 13 includes a system control unit 49, a light source 51, a light source driver 52, a diaphragm mechanism 53, a condenser lens 54, and the like. The system control unit 49 comprehensively controls each unit of the light source device 13.

  The light source 51 includes a xenon lamp or a halogen lamp, and is driven and controlled by a light source driver 52. The aperture mechanism 53 is disposed on the light exit side of the light source 51 and increases or decreases the amount of light incident on the condenser lens 54. The condenser lens 54 collects the white light that has passed through the aperture mechanism 53 and guides the light to the incident end of the light guide 31 of the endoscope 11 connected to the light source device 13. The light guide 31 is inserted from the proximal end of the endoscope 11 to the distal end portion 21, and the emission end is connected to the illumination window 29.

  The light source device 14 includes a system control unit 50, a light source 55, a light source driver 56, a diaphragm mechanism 57, a condenser lens 58, and the like. Unlike the configuration of the light source device 13, the light source device 14 is provided with a filter (not shown) that transmits only light in a predetermined band between the light source 55 and the diaphragm mechanism 57. Since the light source device 14 includes a filter, the light source device 14 supplies special light to the endoscope 11.

  The switcher 16 is provided with a system control unit 59 and a connection switching unit 60. The system control unit 59 determines whether the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 communicates with the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13 or the system control unit 50 of the light source device 14, and Control all parts centrally. The system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 communicates with one determined by the system control unit 59 of the switcher 16 among the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13 and the system control unit 50 of the light source device 14.

  A method of determining by the system control unit 59 which system control unit 49 and 50 the system control unit 44 communicates with is performed based on identification information stored in the ROM 43 of the endoscope 11. The identification information is input from the ROM 43 to the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 via the universal code 19 and the connector 24. Then, the data is acquired from the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 to the system control unit 59 of the switch 16 via the cable 26. Further, the identification information is input from the ROM 43 to the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13 to which the endoscope 11 is connected via the universal code 19 and the connector 24. Then, it is acquired from the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13 to the system control unit 59 of the switch 16 via the cable 34. On the other hand, it is not acquired from the light source device 14 to which the endoscope 11 is not connected. The system control unit 59 receives the identification information acquired through the processor device 12 from the light source device 13, and the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 communicates with the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13. Decide to do. Note that when the endoscope 11 is connected to the light source device 14, identification information is acquired via the light source device 14, so that the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 performs the system control unit 50 of the light source device 14. It is decided to communicate with.

  Based on the determination by the system control unit 59, the connection switching unit 60 is connected to any one of the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12, the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13, and the system control unit 50 of the light source device 14. Switch connection. In the present embodiment, the connection switching unit 60 connects the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 and the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13 so that they can communicate with each other.

  Next, the processing procedure of the endoscope system 10 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When a doctor performs an examination with the endoscope system 10, the doctor 11 connects the endoscope 11 to each of the processor device 12 and the light source device 13 or 14 (see FIG. 1), and powers the endoscope system 10. Put in. Hereinafter, a case where the endoscope 11 is connected to the light source device 13 will be described.

  When the endoscope system 10 is turned on, the system control unit 59 of the switch 16 acquires the identification information of the endoscope 11 through the processor device 12 and also through the light source device 13 or 14. . Then, the system control unit 59 of the switching device 16 determines which of the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 communicates with the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13 and the system control unit 50 of the light source device 14. . When the identification information of the endoscope 11 is acquired via the light source device 13, the system control unit 59 of the switch 16 communicates with the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13 by the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12. Decide to do. On the other hand, when the identification information of the endoscope 11 is acquired via the light source device 14, the system control unit 59 of the switcher 16 is connected to the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 by the system control unit 50 of the light source device 14. Decide to communicate with. In the description of the present embodiment, since the endoscope 11 is connected to the light source device 13, it is determined that the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 communicates with the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13.

  The doctor operates an examination start button (not shown) provided on the processor device 12. This instructs each part of the endoscope system 10 to start the examination.

  When receiving the instruction to start the inspection, the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 controls the TG 45 and starts driving the CCD 20 by the CCD driver 46. The CCD 20 images the image light of the observation site incident through the observation window 30 and the objective lens 41 in accordance with the driving of the CCD driver 46, and outputs an imaging signal corresponding to the image light.

  The output imaging signal is subjected to noise removal and amplification by the CDS / PGA 42. The image pickup signal subjected to noise removal and amplification is input to the A / D 47 and converted into digital image data. The image data is input to the image generation unit 48. The image generation unit 48 performs various types of image processing on the input image data, and generates an endoscope image from the image data. The image generation unit 48 converts the generated endoscopic image into a video signal corresponding to the format of the monitor 15, and outputs the video signal to the monitor 15. Thereby, an endoscopic image is displayed on the monitor 15.

  When the endoscope image is displayed on the monitor 15, the doctor inserts the distal end portion 21 of the endoscope 11 into the body cavity of the patient and starts observation in the body cavity.

  As described above, since the switch 16 for detecting the light source device to which the endoscope is connected is provided based on the identification information unique to the endoscope, it is not necessary to provide a plurality of ports in the processor device 12. Further, it is not necessary for the processor device to have a function of specifying the light source device used for inspection. As a result, a plurality of light source devices can correspond to one processor device.

[Second Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 4, the endoscope system 61 of the second embodiment includes endoscopes 11 and 62. The endoscope 11 is connected to the processor device 12 in addition to the light source device 13 via a connector 24 connected to the base end of the universal cord 19.

  On the other hand, the endoscope 62 includes a universal cord 65 connected to the processor device 12 and the light source device 14. The base end of the universal cord 65 is connected to the connector 70. The connector 70 is of a composite type. The light source device 14 is connected to the connector 70 and the processor device 12 is connected thereto. The endoscope 62 is denoted by reference numerals in the drawings, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In addition, in order to distinguish the structure of the endoscope 11 and the structure of the endoscope 62, the mutually different code | symbol was attached | subjected. For example, the reference numerals assigned to the insertion portions are different between 17 and 63. Hereinafter, a case where the connector 24 of the endoscope 11 is connected to the processor device 12 and the connector 70 of the endoscope 62 is not connected will be described.

  In FIG. 5, the system control unit 59 determines which system control unit 49, 50 communicates with the system control unit 44 using the identification information stored in the ROM 43 of the endoscope 11 and the endoscope. This is performed based on the identification information stored in the ROM 83 of 62. The identification information of the endoscope 11 is acquired by the system control unit 59 of the switch 16 via the processor device 12, and the system control unit of the switch 16 via the light source device 13 to which the endoscope 11 is connected. 59. On the other hand, the identification information of the endoscope 62 is input from the ROM 83 to the system control unit 50 of the light source device 14 via the universal code 65 and the connector 70. Then, it is acquired from the system control unit 50 of the light source device 14 to the system control unit 59 of the switch 16 via the cable 35. The system control unit 59 receives the fact that the identification information acquired via the processor device 12 matches the identification information acquired from the light source device 13, and the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 controls the system of the light source device 13. It is determined to communicate with the unit 49. On the other hand, when the endoscope 62 instead of the endoscope 11 is connected to the processor device 12, the identification information acquired via the processor device 12 and the identification information acquired via the light source device 14 are included. Since they match, it is determined that the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 communicates with the system control unit 50 of the light source device 14. Note that the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  Next, the processing procedure of the endoscope system 61 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the doctor turns on the power of the endoscope system 61 when performing an examination with the endoscope system 61 to which each device is connected.

  When the endoscope system 61 is turned on, the system control unit 59 of the switch 16 acquires the identification information of the endoscope connected to the light source devices 13 and 14 via the light source devices 13 and 14, Identification information of an endoscope connected to the processor device 12 is acquired via the processor device 12. Then, the system control unit 59 of the switching device 16 determines which of the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 communicates with the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13 and the system control unit 50 of the light source device 14. . When the identification information of the endoscope connected to the processor device 12 is acquired from the light source device 13, the system control unit 59 of the switcher 16 is controlled by the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12. It is determined to communicate with the unit 49. On the other hand, when the identification information of the endoscope connected to the processor device 12 is acquired from the light source device 14, the system control unit 59 of the switching device 16 is connected to the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12. It is determined to communicate with the system control unit 50. In the description of the present embodiment, since the endoscope 11 is connected to the processor device 12, it is determined that the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 communicates with the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13. Note that description of processing procedures and effects similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

  In each of the above embodiments, the light source device to be used is selected based on the identification information stored in the ROM of the endoscope. However, the arrangement and shape of the pins provided on the connector of the endoscope are determined by the light source device. Then, the endoscope may be identified based on the arrangement and shape of the pins. Further, the supplementary information of the image data may be acquired by the image generation unit, and the endoscope may be identified based on the supplementary information.

  In the above embodiments, the light source device to be used is selected based on the identification information unique to the endoscope. However, a light source device that is turned on may be selected. In this case, when both the light source devices are turned on, the processor device to be used is selected based on a predetermined rule. As a predetermined rule, the order in which the power is turned on, the preset priority, and the usage status (select the frequency and the last used one) are stored in the switch 16 and used. And so on.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4, although the switch 16 was stored in the housing | casing and mounted in the upper surface of the light source device 13, the endoscope systems 10 and 61 are mounted. It may be built in or attached to the cart.

[Third Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 7, the endoscope system 91 according to the third embodiment includes an endoscope 11 and a switch 92 that switches between the light source devices 13 and 14 to be used. The endoscope 11 includes a universal cord 19 connected to the processor device 12 and the switch 92. The base end of the universal cord 19 is connected to the connector 24. The connector 24 is a composite type. The processor 24 is connected to the connector 24, and a switch 92 is connected to the connector 24.

  The switch 92 is electrically connected to the processor device 12 via a cable (not shown) and electrically and optically connected to the light source devices 13 and 14 via a universal cord 93. One end of the universal cord 93 is connected to the connector 94 and is connected to the switch 92. The other end is bifurcated, and both ends of the bifurcated are connected to connectors 95 and 96, respectively, and connected to the light source devices 13 and 14.

  In FIG. 8, the switch 92 is provided with a switch button 97, an optical path switching unit 98, an optical path switching unit driver 99, and the like. The switching button 97 is operated when the light source devices 13 and 14 are switched. When the switching button 97 is operated, a switching signal for switching the light source devices 13 and 14 is input to the system control unit 59. The optical path switching unit driver 99 is controlled by the system control unit 59 to drive and control the optical path switching unit 98. The optical path switching unit 98 includes, for example, a mirror, and the optical path from the condenser lens 54 of the light source device 13 to the incident end of the light guide 31 of the endoscope 11 and the condenser lens 58 of the light source device 14 to the endoscope. The light path to the incident end of the 11 light guides 31 is switched. Note that the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  Next, a processing procedure of the endoscope system 91 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When a doctor performs an examination with the endoscope system 91, the doctor 11 connects the endoscope 11 to the processor device 12 and the switch 92, and connects the switch 92 to the processor device 12 and the light source devices 13 and 14. Then, after the endoscope system 91 is turned on, the switching button 97 is operated to select one of the light source devices 13 and 14.

  When the switching button 97 is operated, a switching signal is input to the system control unit 59. When a switching signal is input to the system control unit 59, the optical path switching unit driver 99 drives and controls the optical path switching unit 98 to switch the optical path. When the light source device 13 is selected with the switching button 97, the optical path switching unit 98 switches to the optical path from the condenser lens 54 of the light source device 13 to the incident end of the light guide 31 of the endoscope 11. On the other hand, when the light source device 14 is selected with the switching button 97, the optical path switching unit 98 switches to the optical path from the condenser lens 58 of the light source device 14 to the incident end from the light guide 31 of the endoscope 11.

  When a switching signal is input to the system control unit 59, the system control unit 59 includes a system control unit 44 of the processor device 12, a system control unit 49 of the light source device 13, and a system control unit 50 of the light source device 14. Which is to be communicated is determined based on the switching signal. When the light source device 13 is selected with the switching button 97, the system control unit 59 determines that the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 communicates with the system control unit 49 of the light source device 13. On the other hand, when the light source device 14 is selected with the switching button 97, the system control unit 59 determines that the system control unit 44 of the processor device 12 communicates with the system control unit 50 of the light source device 14. Note that a description of processing procedures similar to those in the first embodiment is omitted.

  As described above, since the switch 92 for switching the light source device to be used is provided based on the operation of the switch button 97, the processor device 12 can be connected to all the light source devices by the switch 92. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a plurality of ports in the processor device 12. Further, since the light source device is specified based on the operation of the switching button 97, it is not necessary for the processor device 12 to have a function of specifying the light source device. As a result, a plurality of light source devices can correspond to one processor device.

  In the third embodiment, the switch 92 is provided with a switch button 97 as a man-machine interface. However, the man-machine interface is not limited to this. For example, an infrared remote controller, a keyboard, or the like is provided. It may be provided.

  Moreover, although each said embodiment demonstrated the case where there were two light source devices, it may be three or more.

  In each of the above embodiments, the switch is provided separately from the processor device. However, the function of the switch may be incorporated in the processor device.

  In addition, the endoscope systems 10, 61, and 91 shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed to any form without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the endoscope system in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical and optical structure of the endoscope system in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the endoscope system in 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the endoscope system in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical and optical structure of the endoscope system in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the endoscope system in 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the endoscope system in 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical and optical structure of the endoscope system in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the endoscope system in 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10, 61, 91 Endoscope system 11, 62 Endoscope 12 Processor unit 13, 14 Light source unit 16, 92 Switch 21 CCD (charge coupled device)
43, 83 ROM
59 System control unit 60 Connection switching unit 97 Switching button 98 Optical path switching unit

Claims (3)

An endoscope including an image sensor, which is detachably connected, and one processor device that generates an endoscopic image based on an image signal output from the image sensor;
A plurality of light source devices, wherein the endoscope is detachably connected, and supplies light for illuminating the inside of the subject to the endoscope;
A switch that is connected to the processor device and all the light source devices, and that switches to any one of the light source devices from among the plurality of light source devices ;
The switch acquires identification information unique to an endoscope via the processor device and the light source device, and a light source that is an acquisition source of the identification information that matches the identification information acquired via the processor device An endoscope system characterized by discriminating a device and switching to the discriminated light source device.   The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is a serial number of an endoscope.   The switch is connected to the processor device and the light source device, and switches the light source device that supplies light to the endoscope based on a switching signal from a man-machine interface. The endoscope system described.

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